Thousands of homes in southern parts of the United Kingdom (UK) were left without power on Thursday as Storm Ciaran hit the country.
Across Devon and Cornwall, Sussex, Surrey and the Channel Islands, power supplies have been affected by strong winds and heavy rains, UK Power Networks said.
More than 300 schools in southern England have been closed amid warnings that the storm could be life-threatening. Some schools will remain shut on Friday.
About 40 people in Jersey were evacuated after their homes were damaged, as wind speeds have hit highs of 104 mph (about 167 kph) on the island.
« We’re still dealing with a lot of calls and working with partners to assess road conditions. Please continue to stay indoors unless your travel is essential, » Jersey Fire and Rescue Service said.
Photos and videos posted online showed roads blocked by fallen trees, rooftops blown off, and windows shattered as a result of the storm.
Storm Ciaran has set a new record for the lowest sea level pressure recorded in England and Wales in November, according to the Met Office, the country’s national meteorological service.
Yellow weather warnings for wind and rain are in effect in parts of the UK, with dozens of flood warnings also being issued.
